Conference to address major cleaning and FM challenges

The industry experts speaking at The Cleaning Show's free-to-attend seminar programme will include a number of top academics such as Dr Terry Tudor from Northampton University, Keith Redway from the University of Westminster and Dr Andrew Kemp from the University of Lincoln.

Major topics

Other leading names drawn from across the cleaning, waste management and FM sectors include Dominic Ponniah from Cleanology. His session will look at attitudes towards pay structures and will explore the appetite for committing to the Real Living Wage. 

He said: “Wages have come into sharp focus in recent years, but cleaning firms are all too aware that clients have the final say on whether to offer cleaning staff the Living Wage or the Real Living Wage. But what do their employees say? Would they prefer to work for a company that remunerates all its staff fairly? And does higher pay translate into a higher standard of work?”

In contrast Dean Pearce from SWRNewstar will focus on the issue of food waste in the hospitality sector. He said: “If we are to meet the future food demands of a growing global population, we must tackle food waste. My presentation will lift the lid on the true cost of food waste providing both the economic and environmental case for reduction.”

Brexit is also on the agenda, and Keith Baker from cleaning recruitment and training agency CERATA will be talking about the post-Brexit recruitment landscape. He said of his session: “Finding the right people, then putting them in the right seats, has always been a challenge. Will it be more so post-Brexit? See you at The Cleaning Show to discuss.”

Other speakers will be addressing key issues linked to sustainability, skills and employment, pay and conditions and the changing workplace. Additional topics set to be covered include food hygiene, cleaning and waste within healthcare environments, and tackling surface contamination.

Specialists in training and workforce development will also be participating in the Cleaning Show’s conference. Dr Sally Messenger, James Marston and Pete Gowers, all from The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), will presenting, as will be CJ Green, founder of business leadership and HR consultancy Tovip Ltd.    

CJ said: “There has never been a more exciting time for modern workforces and at the same time never a more challenging time for employers to meet modern workforce demands. I am excited to join The Cleaning Show this year to evolve the discussion on innovation through people.’

Industry panels

A number of special industry panels are planned for 2019. One of these is entitled How can recycling in the cleaning sector aid the circular economy? and will feature contributions from Lorcan Mekitarian from RPC bpi recycled products, Asa Degerman from Essity, Owen George from Grundon and John Brill from Nilfisk.

Another panel, The bigger picture of cleaning and waste management, will see Matt Coulson and Sandrino Vieira from Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work debating with Mark Loubser from Intu Retail Services and Michael Foreman from Don’t Waste UK.

Matt Coulson said: “Waste management is an integral part of the way in which we operate our buildings and our Campus. I look forward to sharing best practices on the subject with a panel of professionals at The Cleaning Show.”

Green cleaning guru

One of the keynote conference speakers, who will also officially open The Cleaning Show on 19th March, is Steve Ashkin. Steve is renowned in the USA as the country’s leading 'Green Cleaning Guru'. He is executive director of the Green Cleaning Network and co-founder of the Green Cleaning University (GCU). 

He said: “I am excited to be invited to The Cleaning Show in London to learn more details about the current state of the cleaning industry, and to meet with both industry leaders and building owners to help accelerate the adoption of Green Cleaning.”

Stan Atkins, chair of The British Cleaning Council which co-produces The Cleaning Show, said: “I’m delighted that Steve is making the trip from the USA to take part in the conference as he really is a trailblazer within green cleaning. The theme of sustainability will also be highlighted by a number of other speakers this year which reflects what a crucial issue it has become.

'Strongest line-up yet'

“We also have presenters who will talk about other major topics which affect every part of the sector," Stan continued. "This includes employment, the Living Wage, technology, Brexit, workforce development and the provision of skills and training.

 “Other presentations are set to look at more niche topics such as healthcare while the discussion panels will stimulate lively debate between leading figures drawn from right across the waste, FM and hygiene industries. 

 “It’s one of the strongest and most diverse line-ups we’ve ever pulled together and reflects how The Cleaning Show continues to attract the industry’s biggest names, either as sponsors, exhibitors or speakers. 

“This is in turn ensures the event is attended by senior professionals who want to gain insights into what is happening in their sector, experience all the latest products and innovations, meet both new and existing industry contacts while also enjoying three days of high calibre networking.”

Further details of The Cleaning Show, including the full seminar programme and how to register for a free three-day pass, can be found at www.cleaningshow.co.uk